"'That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, "Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat."
'He answered one of them, "Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?"'"
We all know life is not fair. But grace isn't fair either! Grace gives more than is required or expected. The workers hired first were hired under particular conditions to which they agreed. The workers hired last were given grace. God's ways are not ours, not only because he is sometimes mysterious but because he gives so much more than we ever would. God's grace does not conform to our standards but to his love and authority.
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